The Northern Territory Government has settled a class action brought on behalf of young Aboriginal detainees, who lawyers said were still being mistreated in the Territory's youth prisons despite the royal commission.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the lawsuit came "five years too late, against the wrong government".

But papers filed in the Federal Court show that "the parties have agreed on terms" to resolve the matter, pending the approval of a judge.

A key document filed with that notice cannot be inspected by anyone without the court's leave.

Attorney-General Natasha Fyles would not say whether the agreement was an admission of any fault.

"These are matters that are before the courts, we will allow [them] to run their course," she said.

Legal Aid declined to comment beyond a short statement confirming agreement had been reached and approval was pending.

"Legal Aid continues to visit children in detention and advocate for their wellbeing and to ensure they have positive opportunities to turn their lives around," the statement from director Susan Cox said.

"We will provide more information about the outcome of legal proceedings at the appropriate time."

Lawsuit sought to improve conditions or shut centres

The lawsuit did not make a claim for any financial compensation for the young people involved in the matter.

Instead the claimants asked the court to direct the Government to improve conditions inside the centres, or force them to be shut down.

They also wanted declarations from the court that the detainees' mistreatment had been unlawful.

Two days after the confidential document was signed, the Territory Families department published a three-page Statement of Commitments setting out minimum standards for some of their work in the facilities.

It includes requirements around minimum hours of recreational and therapeutic activities, the content of annual refresher training for youth justice officers and coordination with Aboriginal health and legal groups.